US Bridges

CO Rt 222 over Smith Lake(ryan Crk)

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · CR 222 Big Bridge · Structure no. 006960

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
904 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,133
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 222 over Smith Lake(ryan Crk) is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying CO Rt 222 over Smith Lake(ryan Crk) in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 2,133 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,600 by 2033. The structure is 904 ft (275.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO Rt 222
CrossesSmith Lake(ryan Crk)
LocationCR 222 Big Bridge
RouteCounty Highway 15
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.02988, -87.0591
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.4 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+7 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length904 ft (275.5 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.9 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,133 (2023)
Projected traffic2,600 by 2033
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$6.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 222 over Smith Lake(ryan Crk) built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 222 over Smith Lake(ryan Crk) in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does CO Rt 222 over Smith Lake(ryan Crk) carry?

About 2,133 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is CO Rt 222 over Smith Lake(ryan Crk)?

The structure is 904 ft (275.5 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.9 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 222 over Smith Lake(ryan Crk)?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.